Amateurs, on the other hand, wait for their big break and hide in the shadows until someone discovers them. Incidentally, they are the ones who are quick to criticize those making things.

Which one would you rather be: the brave creator, or the cowering critic?

The only question that counts

As part of this challenge, I ask one simple question on a daily basis: “What have you made today?” It’s an important question, one we get to ask twice:

First, we ask this question to ourselves because before we do anything, before we attempt to lead or offer advice or criticize, we must first get in the game.

Second, we can ask this of others. Everyone, in fact.

You don’t actually have to confront these people, though sometimes that may be necessary. But you should at least be asking this on the inside.

That critic?

That rude neighbor?

That argumentative in-law who has an opinion about everything?

What have they made lately?

Are they doing the work? Are they braving the abyss, facing the fear of creation, and making something? Are they enduring the years it takes to bridge the Taste-Talent Gap and finally be as good as they hope?

Or are they just dispensing feedback for the sake of being heard? Are they offering empty advice without having earned the right to share that advice? Are they a critic, not a creator?

If so, I dare you to kindly reply, “not necessary.”

It’s not necessary to say you didn’t like my book.

It’s not necessary to tell me what you think I should be doing differently.

It’s just not necessary.

I have resources for that, people whose opinions I trust and value, those I know have my best interests in mind.

These days, we live in an age where virtually anyone can share their opinion with anyone. And so, we tend to treat all opinions as equal. But they are not. In fact, some opinions should matter to you very little.

And when you hear someone voice one of those opinions, you can just say, “not necessary.”

Or even better: Ignore them entirely and just keep doing your work.

Want some help with this? Make sure you hit the ground running in 2018 by identifying 5 common goal-setting mistakes in this free live training.

What have you made lately? Let me know in the comments, and please share this with a friend who’s doing the work.

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I’m Jeff Goins, the best-selling author of five books including The Art of Work and Real Artists Don’t Starve. Every week, I share new tips on creative work. Enter your email below and I’ll send you a free book.